Introduction to Bioinformatics and R

This workshop is ideal for college students and faculty who are looking for a thorough introduction to bioinformatics using R and R Studio.

With the advent of new technologies, there is a vast and growing amount of biological data at our fingertips. But how do we find that data and actually use it? Bioinformatics is the field where computational tools are used to analyze complex biological data.

As the technology producing these large quantities of data advances, so does the need to wrangle and interpret all of this information. To date, the main characters tasked with this challenge are computer scientists - as well as biologists with a knack for complex programming.

However, with the help of web-based tools in combination with a basic understanding of the programming language R using the freely available interactive R Studio, one can seek answers within the genetic code for questions about evolution, health, and ancestry.

In this workshop, we will introduce the basics of bioinformatics and help you dive straight into the belly of the computational beast… with no coding background required!

You will learn where to find publicly available data and associated tools to investigate broad biological and biomedical topics. We will use the free cloud-based RStudio to guide you through real datasets to extract and visualize exciting details about biology directly on your web browser. We will be working with coding notebooks which you can use to further explore your own questions!

Dr. Allissa Dillman is the founder and CEO of BioData Sage LLC, a company focused on providing a holistic approach to data science integration in the biomedical and biological science fields. Dr. Dillman offers data science strategic planning, including the usage of appropriate tools, platforms, datasets, and reproducible practices. BioData Sage works with clients in industry, academia, government, and the nonprofit sector, creating and supporting training programs on data science, cloud computing, and the tools and standards for reproducible data science practices for scientific and lay communities.

Dr. Dillman worked at NIH for over 10 years and most recently served as the workforce development and community engagement lead for the Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS). She built and executed data science integration programs bringing in undergraduates through mid-level data scientists to tackle NIH’s complex data ecosystem. Allissa has focused specifically on lowering the barriers of entry for data science and cloud computing by building train-the-trainer programs for STEM educators from low-resourced schools and facilitating data science training programs for students at HBCUs, MSIs, and HSIs. She has coordinated and participated as a judge, mentor, and team lead in over 50 hackathons in academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. Dr. Dillman has contributed to over 50 scientific publications and has a long-standing research interest in using bioinformatic tools and data science techniques to answer a wide variety of biological questions. Dr. Dillman received her Ph.D. in computational neuroscience as part of the graduate partnership program between NIH and the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, in 2014.

At Bio-Trac, Dr. Dillman directs a Next Generation Sequencing workshop; co-directs several workshops including “R for Research Scientist” and “RNA-Seq: Principles, Methods and Computational Analysis” as well as an active instructor in the Single Cell RNA-Seq workshop.

The Bioscience Education Center, Montgomery College, 20200 Observation Drive, Germantown, MD 20876

Maryland is a global leader in bioscience and technology education, and ranks among the top five regions nationally in biotechnology. The projected LEED Gold-certified Center's biotechnology laboratories were designed to provide instruction meeting industry standards, including dedicated space for teaching cell culture, biomanufacturing (cell propagation using bioreactors and protein purification using FPLC units), and genetic diagnostics utilizing Next Generation DNA sequencers and digital droplet PCR. Throughout the facility, 700 electronic devices, including Smart Instructor Work Stations, computers, and monitors will support activities in the classrooms and labs.

CAMPUS MAP

Spark by Hilton, 20260 Goldenrod Lane, Germantown, MD 20876 • 301-428-1300

A special rate has been made available to all Bio-Trac attendees - $105 per night, King Size Bed, non-smoking, free Internet, free breakfast, free shuttle service to the BEC. Hotel is within walking distance of the training facility ( ~.3 mi). Attendees will receive the discount code for hotel reservations at time of workshop registration. Reservations are made online using the provide discount code link.

By Car: Take I-270 to Exit 15 East (Route 118). Continue to the second traffic light at Observation Drive; turn right onto campus.

Parking Permits: Students parking a vehicle while attending a Bio-Trac® program will receive a temporary (15 day) parking permit with their class confirmation materials. If you register via the web your printed confirmation or registration history will serve as a parking permit until you can print out the WD&CE Student Temporary Parking Permit. The parking permit is free to students but you must register your vehicle.

By Metro: Take Red Line to Shady Grove Station and transfer to Ride-On Route 55 to on-campus stop.

Closest Airport:
DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Arlington, VA 22202
BWI Baltimore–Washington International Airport is the second closest for commute

	Lecture and Hands-on Interactive Training		Thumbnail drive with Lectures and Workshop material
	Team taught by active researchers		Space limited to 24 participants, limited live remote slots available, inquire

Introduction to Bioinformatics and R

MC Biotech Education and Training

Introduction to Bioinformatics and R

July 29-30, 2024

Germantown, MD

9:00am-5:00pm

$695

Workshop Registration Fees may be covered under the EPIIC Grant if authorized by your institution.

REGISTRATION FORM

Lecture and Hands-on Interactive Training

Thumbnail drive with Lectures and Workshop material

Team taught by active researchers

Space limited to 24 participants, limited live remote slots available, inquire

Workshop Instructor